Fluid control system

ABSTRACT

A battery operated fluid control system, which may be used in a sprinkler system having a master valve unit with a battery operated electronic clock therein for periodically opening the valve for a preset duration in response to the clock turn-on pulse, and being operable with one or more slave valve units connected in series to sequentially open the slave valves for their corresponding preset time duration. The clock is comprised of an oscillator having a plurality of countdown flip-flops, with the clock turn-on pulse being selectable from the outputs of a group of the lower flip-flops to give a selection of valve turnon intervals. A battery operated solenoid valve of the latching type and associated circuitry is located in the master valve unit and each of the slave valve units, with the circuitry being adapted to receive a pulse, either from the clock or from the turn-off signal of the previous valve unit, and to provide a turn-on pulse to the solenoid. The circuitry is also comprised of an adjustable time delay circuit to measure the desired duration from the turn-on pulse and to provide a subsequent turn-off pulse to the solenoid. One embodiment is adapted to replace the valve mechanism in a prior art anti-syphon valve assembly. Another embodiment incorporates a unique anti-syphon valve which does not obstruct the primary flow path and further has a moisture collecting container on the side thereof, cooperatively disposed with the anti-syphon valve and having electrical probes therein connected to the circuitry. When the valve turns on, the initial leakage of the anti-syphon valve fills the container, which will remain filled in rainy or very humid weather, thereby preventing subsequent opening of the valve until the moisture has evaporated. The valve and time delay circuit is also adaptable for use in manually initiated systems, such as toilets and the like, and a unique toilet bowl and water valve component arrangement is disclosed to achieve the anti-syphon function.

United States Patent [191 Sturman et al.

[111 3,821,967 [451 July 2,1974

[ FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM [76] Inventors: Oded E. Sturman, 18643 KirkcolmLn.; Benjamin Grill, 8523 Etiwanda N0. 25; Yigal Froman, 10339 ZelzahNo. 64, all of Northridge, Calif. 91324 [22] Filed: Dec. 30, 1971 [21]Appl. No.: 213,997

[52] US. Cl l37/624.l5, 251/30, 251/65 [51] Int. Cl. Fl6k 31/40 [58]Field of Search..... l37/624.l3, 624.15, 624.11;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1963 Nees 251/30 4/1905Cogdell... l37/624.l1 2/1968 Padula 25l/65 1 H1968 Merriner 251/30 XPrimary ExaminerAlan Cohan Assistant Examiner-Gerald A. MichalskyAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Spensley, Horn & Lubitz series to sequentiallyopen the slave valves for their corresponding preset time duration. Theclock is comprised of an oscillator having a plurality of countdownflip-flops, with the clock tum-on pulse being selectable from theoutputs of a group of the lower flip-flops to give a selection of valvetum-on intervals. A battery operated solenoid valve of the latching typeand asso ciated circuitry is located in the master valve unit and eachof the slave valve units, with the circuitry being adapted to receive apulse, either from the clock or from the turn-off signal of the previousvalve unit, and to provide a tum-on pulse to the solenoid. The circuitryis also comprised of an adjustable time delay circuit to measure thedesired duration from the turnon pulse and to provide a subsequentturn-off pulse to the solenoid. One embodiment is adapted to replace thevalve mechanism in a prior art anti-syphon valve assembly. Anotherembodiment incorporates a unique anti-Syphon valve which does notobstruct the primary 'flow path and further has a moisture collectingcontainer on the side thereof, cooperatively disposed with theanti-Syphon valve and having electrical probes therein connected to thecircuitry. When the valve turns on, the initial leakage of theanti-syphon valve fills the container, which will remain filled in rainyor very humid weather, thereby preventing subsequent opening of thevalve until the moisture has evaporated. The valve and time delaycircuit is also adaptable for use in manually initiated systems, such astoilets and the like, and a unique toilet bowl and water valve componentarrangement is disclosed to achieve the anti-Syphon function.

15 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures 226 204 2.02. 50 6 l fl/20l K 1 R R K 1 ll VLL L 7o (cu/v75? em E a/y/pf/Q OSCMLAW 20o PATENTEBJUL 21914 1821.967

SHEET [1F 5 ale-213s"! PAYENTEGJUL 2:914

SHEET 5 BF 5 UTI Tl R6 222 rum) CONTROL SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to thefield of fluid control systems such as sprinkler systems for wateringand irrigation purposes and valves for use in toilets and the like.

2. Prior Art Fluid control systems are widely used for a variety ofpurposes. Some of these systems simply comprise a set of valves whichare manually opened and manually closed. Other systems comprise one ormore valves which are manually opened and automatically closed a shorttime thereafter, such as in toilets, and still others comprise acomplete system for periodically opening one or more valves for apredetermined length of time, such as are used in automatic lawnwatering systems. Inasmuch as the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention disclosed herein are specifically adapted for use in fullyautomatic watering systems and in toilets,

the prior art in these two types of water control systems will bediscussed, it being recognized and obvious from the disclosure hereinthat the present invention is in no way limited, only to these twoapplications.

Automatic sprinkler systems for automatically watering lawns, fields andthe like are well-known in the prior art. These systems are generallyadapted to'open one or more values at predetermined intervals 'forpredetermined durations, as controlled by one or more clocks, so as todirect water to the various sprinklers as desired.

The more common of the prior art systems are designated to operate on astandard 115 volt 60 cycle power source. A central clock is used fortiming to control the distribution of power to the various solenoidvalves for opening the valves in the various water lines. Typically, thesolenoid valves are designed for automatic closing, and to be opened andto remain open only during the duration of a low voltage power supplythereto. For such purposes, the 115 volt 60 cycle power is transformedthrough a step-down transformer to a lower voltage so as to be morereadily and safely dispatched to the various solenoid valves throughunderground conduits.

The above described systems are by far the most common systems in use,particularly in residential installations. However, these systems have anumber of problems associated therewith which prevent their morewidespread use. Though such systems are expensive, their cost isgenerally not considered prohibitive. However, the purchase of a systemis but one part of the expense associated with the use of the system.The installation, say in a residence, requires wiring the system intothe house power lines and running underground wires from the centralclock to each of the solenoid valves, as well as placement of thesolenoid valves in the respective water lines. In new housingdevelopments, the cost of installing such a system before driveways,patios and the like are put in may well be more than the purchase priceof the system, and in older residences may be prohibitive because of thepresence of patios, driveways, swimming pools and the like, and further,thereluctance of the homeowner to have his landscaping disturbed.Consequently, while such systems meet the basic objective ofperiodically watering an area, the total cost associated with suchsystems and the inconvenience and difficulty of installing such systemshas prevented the more widespread use thereof.

Battery-operated sprinkler systems are also known in the prior art. Byway of example, a battery-operated system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,547,154 entitled Irrigation Timing Control Apparatus. That system usesa battery to operate a motor driven timer which periodically rotates apermanent magnet on a timer disc into proximity with a magneticallyactuated reed switch which turns on a solenoid valve and a time-delaynetwork, which in turn, turns off the solenoid valve after the desiredtime. The solenoid valve used with this system is of a magneticallylatching type, turning on with a pulse in the first direction andturning off with the pulse in the second direction. However, in thesystem described in that patent, no means of reversing the direction ofthe current pulse of the solenoid coil is disclosed, but instead acenter tapped coil is used, with the on pulse being applied to one endof the coil with respect to'the center tap, and the off pulse beingapplied to the other end of the coil with respect to the center tap.Consequently, only one-half of the solenoid coil is usable for eitherturning on or turning off the valve, thereby detracting from theefficiency and force, or adding to the cost and size of the device.

In the above described battery-operated system, no means is disclosedwhereby a single clock may be used to sequentially operate the series ofslave valves. Upon closure of the reed switch, a capacitor starts tocharge, and upon reaching a particular voltage, is discharged throughone-half of the solenoid coil to turn on the valve. Consequently, thereed switch must remain closed for a sufficient length of time for thecapacitor to be charged through various current limiting resistors.Thus, the system is not responsive to a pulse control signal, and a turnoff signal somehow derived from one unit would in no way be operative toturn on the next unit. Thus, in the system disclosed, each valve hasassociated therewith a timer and full circuitry for operation of thesystem. The timer itself is a motor actuated device, thereby beingrelatively expensive, having a limited life and requiring a verysignificant, continuous power for proper operation.

Also known in the prior art'are moisture sensors .for use in sprinklingsystems to control the application of water based on the particularneeds of the soil. Some of these moisture sensors are designed as probesto be inserted in the soil and electrically connected to the sprinklersystem so as to sense the moisture content in the soil. Such moisturesensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,1 13,724, entitled AutomaticWatering Systems and U.S. Pat. No. 2,578,981, entitled ElectronicallyOperated Soil Sprinkling or Irrigating Systems. Such systems are usefulto prevent the operation of the sprinkler system when the ground alreadycontains adequate moisture because of rain or high humidity occurring orprevailing since the last sprinkling. However, sensors placed in theground must be placed at a position which is representative of the totalarea being watered and must be wired into the sprinkler system. Thesensor and the wires connecting it to the sprinkler system are generallyeasily damaged by lawn mowers and the like, and since the sensor isadapted to measure the conductivity of the soil, and particularly tosense the high conductivity of the soil for moisture, a broken lead tothe sensor will provide a signal equivalent to dry soil, therebyallowing operation of the system when the soil already contains adequatemoisture.

Another type of moisture sensor is shown in US. Pat. No. 3,339,842entitled Systems for Water Control. This type of sensor is connectedinto the water line downstream of the solenoid valve so as to collect aportion of the delivered water in an open container while the valve isopen. The apparatus is arranged so that a subsequent opening of thesolenoid valve will be prevented until at least a predetermined amountof water in the container has evaporated. Thus, rainy weather and/orhumid weather will reduce the frequency of operation of the system asdesired. However, the apparatus disclosed therein is separate and apartfrom the solenoid valve and is adapted to operate in conjunction withmotors, relays and the like and therefore, is not suitable for batteryoperation because of the relative amount of power required.

The prior art systems are generally comprised of an assembly of old andstandard components to achieve the desired purpose. By way of example,none of the prior art systems have anti-syphon valves incorporated aspart of the solenoid valve, or integral with any other component of thesystem, though such valves are commonly required as part of such systemsin many instances. Furthermore, prior art anti-syphon valves, as aseparate component, have the anti-Syphon valve element directly in theflow stream movable from a position blocking the reverse water flow andventing the sprinkler system to the air, to a position of allowingforward water flow and sealing the air vent. These valves perform thefunction of preventing substantial backflow of water from the sprinklersystem back into the public water system upon loss of pressure in thepublic water system by obstructing the water line against reverse flowand venting the, sprinkler side of the line to remove the water fromthat point. To accomplish this, the anti-Syphon valves are deliberatelyplaced at a level substantially higher than the highest sprinkler headso that the venting of the system at that point will prevent syphoningof the system into the public water supply. However, it has been foundrecently that micro organisms, once entering a water line, are able topass through a closed valve which contains water on both sides of thevalve. Consequently, to prevent this, one side of the valve, namely thelow-pressure side, should be vented to the air so that the varioussurfaces may quickly dry and thereafter not present a water pool forcollection and multiplication of such micro organisms. Prior artanti-Syphon valves do not achieve this latter purpose, inasmuch as theanti-syphon portion is somewhat removed from the on-off valve. When theon-off valve is turned off, the water flow stops and the antisyphonvalve element effectively sinks in the water in the anti-syphon valve toa closed-position so as to prevent substantial backflow. Since theanti-Syphon valve element closes merely by the force of gravity, and ingeneral is closing on a less than perfect valve seat, and anti-syphonvalve closing may be better described as presenting an obstruction toback-flow as opposed to a seal against back-flow. Consequently, microorganisms may freely collect and multiply in the water between theantisyphon valve and the on-off valve, and will be invited to collect inthis region by the water trapped above the anti-syphon valve element andthe freedom with which such organisms may travel therefrom through theanti-Syphon valve. Thus, it may be seen that through prior artanti-Syphon valves prevent gross reverse flows from loss of waterpressure in the public water supply, such valves do not prevent theaccumulation and distribution of micro organisms in the water system inevery day use.

It may thus be seen that the prior art batteryoperated sprinkler systemsare complex systems having a short battery life or requiring very largebatteries, and require an individual timer for each valve in the system.Such systems do not incorporate moisture-sensing devices and are notcapable of sequential operation from a single clock located at one ofthe valves. Anti-syphon valves used with such systems are separatevalves having a considerable expense associated therewith and not beingadapted to prevent the flow of micro organisms into the public watersupply. There is, therefore, a'need for a simple, reliable andinexpensive batteryoperated sprinkler system which may be readilyinstalled within a new or existing sprinkler system without substantialwiring, and which may give sequential operation of a plurality ofsprinkler valves from a single clock disposed in one of the valve units.

Prior art toilets generally fall within two categories, these twocategories being toilets for residential use and toilets for use inpublic or semi-public buildings, with this latter category being furthersubdividable into toilets where the flushing is manually initiated andtoilets which are automatically periodically flushed.

In toilets intended for residential use, a typical installation willcomprise a porcelain recepticle connected to a drain and partiallyfilled with water, with a seat assembly disposed thereabove and a waterreservoir or tank generally adapted for mounting to a wall immediatelybehind the porcelain recepticle so as to be operable to discharge watercontained therein into the recepticle. A float assembly and floatactuated valve is located in the tank so as to control the water levelin the tank and to refill the tank after it has been discharged into therecepticle. A second float is disposed over a discharge opening in thebottom of the tank so that once it is displaced therefrom, it will floataway from the discharge opening until the tank is substantially emptiedof water. In this assembly, the purpose of the tank is twofold. First,it provides a reservoir for a predetermined amount of water and mayprovide an instantanious water flow rate unobtainable through the watersupply line connected to the toilet. Secondly, it functions, at leastindirectly, as a time delay mechanism for turning off the water supplyline when a predetermined amount of water has been allowed to flow intothe tank. However, it has been found that water flow rates obtainabledirectly from the water supply lines in an ordinary home are fullyadequate for proper flushing action and therefore, the single essentialreason for the tank and mechanical assembly associated therewith is toprovide a convenient time delay shut-off means for the water supply.

The disadvantages of the prior art residential toilet installation areprimarily threefold. First, the cost associated with the tank and thevarious floats, mechanical linkages, etc., is substantial, both ininitial purchase cost and in cost of installation. Secondly, suchinstallations require a reasonable amount of maintenance, such asrequired periodic replacement of valve seats, floats, etc. Thirdly, thetank itself is physically fairly large and not easily packaged so as beto an attractive and aesthetically appealing article in the bathroom,thus making the toilet a generally dominating and unattractive featureof the room.

In commercial installation of the type which are manually flushed, it iscommon practice to eliminate the tank and to connect the remainder ofthe toilet directly to the water supply line through a mechanical timedelay valve. These valves are adapted to open and to later automaticallyclose in a manner actuated by and responsive to the water flowtherethrough. Such valves are relatively complicated mechanicalassemblies having an open duration which may not be adjustable, andrequiring fabrication from brass and other expensive materialsexhibiting suitable non-corrosive and durable characteristics. In othercommercial installations where periodic flushing is achievedautomatically, it is common to place a solenoid actuated valve in thewater line and to operate the valve from an electro-mechanical timer,similar to the prior art sprinkler systems hereinabove described. Thus,it may be seen that in these prior art systems, there is considerableopportunity for cost and maintenance reduction, and particularly inresidential installations for reducing the size and improving theappearance of the installations while simultaneously achieving the otherheretofore-described desirable objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a fluidcontrol system adapted for manual or electronic initiation of the systemfollowed by the automatic shutting off of the system after apredetermined lapse of time. One embodiment comprises a battery operatedwater control system, which may be used in a sprinkler system having amaster valve unit with a battery operated electronic clock therein forperiodically opening the valve for a preset duration in response toclock turn-on pulse, and being operable with one or more slave valveunits connected in series to sequentially open the slave valves fortheir corresponding preset time duration. The clock is comprised of anoscillator having a plurality of countdown flip-flops, with the clockturn-onpulse being selectable from the outputs of a group of the lowerflipflops to give a selection of valve turn-on intervals. A batteryoperated solenoid valve of thelatching type and associated circuitry islocated in the master valve unit and each of the slave valve units, withthe circuitry being adapted to receive a pulse, either from the clock orfrom the tum-off signal of the previous valve unit, and to provide aturn-on pulse to the solenoid. The circuitry is also comprised of anadjustable time delay circuit to measure the desired duration from theon pulse and to provide a subsequent off pulse to the solenoid.

' One embodiment is adapted to replace the valve mechanism in a priorart anti-siphon valve assembly. Another embodiment incorporates a uniqueanti-siphon valve which does not obstruct the primary flow path andfurther has a moisture collecting container on the side thereof,cooperatively disposed with the antisiphon valve and having electricalprobes therein connected to the circuitry. When the valve turns on, theinitial leakage of the antisiphon valve fills the container, which willremain filled in rainy or very humid weather, thereby preventingsubsequent opening of the valve until the moisture has evaporated.

The valve and time delay circuit is also adaptable to other embodiments,such as, by way of example, em-

bodiments for use in manually initiated systems such as toilets and thelike. A unique toilet bowl and water valve component arrangement isdisclosed whereby a toilet may be flushed directly by the manualinitiation of the valve followed by the automatic closure of the valveafter a pre-determined flushing time. A valve closure assembly isslidably disposed on a valve actuating member so that the valve mayquickly and readily close upon the loss of pressure in the high pressureline so as to prevent the backflow of water into the water supply line.The toilet bowl is provided with a plurality of holes through the bowladjacent the top thereof to limit the level of water therein, in theevent of sewer stoppage, so that water may drain out of the flushingwater supply area to provide air behind the closed valve. An alternateembodiment discloses an alternate form of antisiphon valve whichprovides for the positive venting of the low pressure side of the valveupon loss of a pressure on the high pressure side of the valve, and ineither configuration, the valve need only be located a matter of an inchor two above the maximum water level in the toilet bowl to provideadequate anti-siphon valve operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a prospective view of thewater control system of the present invention as adapted for use in asprinkler system.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the master controller of the embodiment of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry for control ofthe master controller of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the master controller ofFIG. 2 with the valve in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is the cross-section of the valve of FIG. 4 showing the valve inthe open position.

FIG. 6 is the cross-section of the valve of FIG. 4 showing the valve asit is moving from the open position to the closed position.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the flow area versus valveposition for the valve shown in crosssection of FIGS. 4 through 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention incorporating a water sensor and anti-siphon valve.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of the valve of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the inter connection of the watersensor with the electronic components of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toilet using the water control systemof the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11 taken in partial cross section.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a valveusable for water flow control in a toilet.

FIG. 14 is a cross section of the valve used with the toilet systemshown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a cross section of the valve of FIG. 14 taken along lines15-15 of that Figure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the electronic control of the valveused with the toilet system of FIG. 11.

First referring to FIG. 1, a prospective view of the present inventionwater control system as it is used for a sprinkler system may be seen.The specific water control system shown is comprised of a mastercontroller 20 and a pair of slave controllers 22, with the mastercontroller 20 electrically coupled to slave controller 22 through wires26 and 28, and slave controllers 22 and 24 coupled together throughwires 30 and 32. Further, the specific system shown in adapted toreplace the manually operated portion of a standard anti-siphon valve,commonly used in such states as California, so as to provide forautomatic operation of the valve unit while maintaining the anti-siphoncharacteristic of the remainder of the prior art anti-siphon valve.

Both the master controller and the slave controllers have an enclosure34 enclosing the mechanism and circuitry of the controllers, with acover 36 rotatably engaging the back of enclosure 34 and adapted tocover various controls located on the top of the enclosure. In

particular, accessible in each of the controllers is a but ton 38 formanually opening the valve of that controller, and a push-button 40 forturning off the valve of that controller. Also, eachcontroller has arotatable adjustment 42 also accessible under cover 36 for adjusting themaximumflow rate for the valve of the respective controller, and apotentiometer adjustment 44 for adjusting the duration for which thevalve of the respective controllers will remain open beforeautomatically turning off. In the master controller, there is alsolocated an interval selector 46 for allowing manual selection of thetime interval between valve operations.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a side view of one of the controllers of FIG.1, specifically controller 20, and the prior art anti-siphon valve bodyon which it is mounted may be seen. Prior art anti-siphon valves of thistype are adapted to connect to an inlet line 48coupled directly orindirectly to the main water supply line, and an outlet line 50connected to one or more sprinklers. The antisiphon valve body 52normally has a conventional valve member generally located within theregion 54, with an operative member projecting upward so as to beoperable in rotation much like an ordinary faucet, and an antisiphonportion or valve breaker generally located within region 56 of theanti-siphon valve body 52 under vent cap 58. However, when the presentinvention system is used, the valve unit is removed from the anti-siphonbody and member 60 of either a master controller or a slave controlleris threaded into the threaded cavity in the valve body 52 so as toconvert the anti-siphon valve to an automatically operating valve, asshall be subsequently described in greater detail.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a cross-section of the master controller 20taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1 may be seen. Within enclosure 34 is asolenoid, generally indicated by the numeral 62 for actuating apneumatic control valve, a pneumatic actuator within the main bodyportion, generally indicated by the numeral 64, a valve closing membergenerally indicated by the numeral 66 actuated by the pneumaticactuator, an electronic circuit board 68, and an electronic clock module70.

Member 60 threadably engages the top of the antisiphon valve body 52,with shoulder 72 engaging the top surface of the anti-siphon valve body.An inner member 74 threadably engages body 76 and is retained withinmember 60 by an integral shoulder 78 on the lower end thereof engagingrecess 80 in the lower end of member 60. An ring 82 is disposed in an Oring groove 84 in the inner member 74 for preventing water leakagebetween inner-member 74 and member 60. The upper end of member has anarea of reduced diameter defining a shoulder 86 which engages the edgesof a cooperatively disposed hole in enclosure 34 to retain the enclosurebetween member 60 and body 76. An 0 ring 88 is disposed in an O ringgroove adjacent to the upper end of inner-member 74 so as to preventwater leakage between the inner-member and body 76.

The valve actuating member 90 is disposed within inner-member 74 withsufficient clearance to allow a small amount of water flow therebetween,in annular passageway 91 generally restricted in amount by the viscosityof the water in the large surface area of the annular space. Theactuator member 90 extends downward to a position substantiallyconcentric to and slightly above valve seat 92 in the anti-siphon valvebody 52. A seating surface support member 94 is disposed on the lowerend of the actuator member 90 and a somewhat compliant member 96 of hardrubber is retained therebelow by a screw 98 threadedly engaging theinner-diameter of valve member 90.

The upper end of valve member 90 has a flange 100 contoured to engageand partially support an impervious and compliant diaphragm 102 which isretained adjacent its inner-diameter to the valve member 90 by a screw104 threadedly engaging the inner surface of valve member 90.

Located above valve member 90 and threadedly engaging'body 76 is a cap106 sealed with respect to body 76 by O ring 108, and supporting at itsinner surface a valve opening adjustment member 110 by the cooperativelydisposed threads 112, with O ring 114 disposed between member 110 andcap 106 preventing leakage of water therebetween and providing ayieldable restraint in the rotatability of the valve opening adjustmentmember. Screw 98 and screw 104 have a hole therethrough concentrictherewith, and valve member 90 has a cylindrical opening runningtherethrough (threaded at each end to receive grooves 98 and 104 asheretofore indicated). A rod 116 is supported by valve openingadjustment member 110 and projects downward through screws 104 and 98 soas to partially close off the hole area therethrough, thus defining anannular passageway 103 communicating with the water in the water supplyline, generally indicated by the numeral 118, and the cavity abovediaphragm 102, generally indicated by the numeral 120. (The annularpassageway is not readily plugged by foreign matter, and relative motionbetween rod 116 and the moving assembly provides a self cleaningaction.)

A solenoid 62 is mounted on the side of body 76, with a member connectedto plunger 132 thereof extending concentrically with a valve seatdefined by the member 134 communicating with cavity 136 on the lowerside of diaphragm 102. The extension 130 has an enlarged head 138 with amolded rubber seal member 140 disposed thereover so as to engage thevalve seat member 134 when the solenoid plunger is extended. Rubbermember 140 is retained between solenoid housing 142 and member 144 so asto provide an effective seal between the various cavities normallyfilled with water and the internal mechanism of the solenoid. Cavity120, located above diaphragm 102, communicates with a cavity 146surrounding rubber member 144 through a porous member 148 between cap106 9 and diaphragm 102 and a passageway 150 communicating with cavity146.

The solenoid 62 is of the latching type, a suitable solenoid being thatdisclosed in a co-pending application entitled Self-Latching SolenoidActuator", Ser. No. 153,939, by Oded E. Sturman, and assigned to theassignee of the present invention. That particular solenoid, as shown inFIG. 4, has a plastic case 142 and plastic cap 152 with a single-poledouble-throw switch 154 of the type commonly referred to as amicroswitch, located therein, with an actuating member disposed so as tobe engageable by extension 156 connected to plunger 132. The magneticcircuit is comprised of a soft iron member 158 having an innerdiameterforming a loose slip fit with the outerdiameter plunger 132, andextending around solenoid coil 160 wound on bobbin 162 so as to be inclose magnetic communication with a soft iron cap member 164. Apermanent magnet 166, generally selected from the alnico group of magnetmaterials, is mounted within bobbin 162 and adjacent body cap 164, witha soft iron member 168 in close magnetic communication with thepermanent magnet 166 and projecting toward plunger 132 so as to definean air gap 170 therebetween when the plunger is in the extendedposition. A non-magnetic spacer 172 aids in the retention of the variouscomponents of a solenoid in the desired position and a coil spring 169urges plunger 132 to the extended position. A further non-magneticmember 174 in cooperation with cap 152 and O ring 176 completes theassembly and provides both a seal against the infusion of moisture and ayieldable force on the various components of the solenoid so as tofurther aid in the retention of those compounds in the desired position.

With the solenoid plunger in the extended position as shown in FIG. 4, acommunication between cavities 120 and 136 on opposite sides ofdiaphragm 102 is prevented. In this condition, the pressure of the wateron the high pressure side of the valve, that is, in region 118, iscommunicated through annular passage 103 to cavity 120 above thediaphragm, while cavity 136 below the diaphragm is in communicationthrough the annular passage 91 with the low pressure side of the valve,generally indicated by the numeral 93. Since the area of the diaphragm(and of the flange 100) is considerably larger than the area of thevalve seat 92, and the differential pressure across the diaphragm isequal to the differential pressure on the lower end of the valveactuating member, the pressure above the diaphragm forces the valvemember 90 downward so as to firmly engage member 96 with valve seat 92.

Now referring to FIG. 5, the cross-section of the valve similar to thatshown in FIG. 4 is presented, but with the valve in the open position.When solenoid 62 is pulsed, in a manner to be hereinafter described ingreater detail, the solenoid plunger 132 moves to the withdrawnposition, as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, rubber member 140 is withdrawn fromengagement with the valve seat in member 134, and cavity 136 isthereafter in communication through cavity 146 to cavity 120. This tendsto equalize the pressure on both sides of diaphragm 102, provided theannular passage ways 91 and 103, or at least one of them, issufficiently small to limit the flow therein so as to allow substantialequalization of the pressures on both sides of the diaphragm through thevarious flow passages then providing a means of communication betweenthe two sides of the diaphragm. In this regard, it will be noted that ascrewdriver-like slot 121 is located at the top of screw 104 so thatcommunication between passageway 103 and cavity will not be prevented bythe engagement of the top of screw 104 with adjustment member 110. Itmay be seen also that the adjustment member 110 engagesthe top of screw104 and may be rotated on its screw threads to provide an adjustment forthe extent of opening of the valve, thereby controlling the flow ratetherethrough in the open position. (Rod 116 is used to limit the flowarea in the annular passageway 103, particularly adjacent to the endsthereof and is used instead of merely utilizing smaller holes in screws104 and 98 since molding very small holes is difiicult and the rodprovides a very easy and convenient means for cleaning the holes, shouldsuch cleaning be required.)

When the solenoid plunger 132 again moves to the extended position,rubber member again engages the valve seat in member 134 interruptingthe communication between cavities 120 and 136. Thus, the pressure incavity 136 approaches the low pressure in area 93 by communicationtherewith through the annular passage 91, while the pressure in cavity120 approaches the higher pressure by communication with area 118through annular passage 103. Consequently, as first described hereabove,the pressure on the top of diaphragm 102 is sufficient to cause downwardmovement of the valve member 90 so as to close the valve, the rate ofdownward movement of the valve member being limited by the rate of waterflow out of the cavity 136 below the diaphragm and into cavity 120 abovethe diaphragm.

It should be noted that in the above-described valve, the rate at whichthe valve closes is dependent upon the pressure difference between thehigh pressure side of the valve and the low pressure side of the valve,that is, regions 118 and 93. Also, it is to be recognized that flowingwater has considerable momentum so that if the flow of water in a pipeis suddenly stopped by the sudden closure of a valve, a shock wave willbe transmitted throughout the water system putting considerable stresson the pipe, joints, valves, etc., and creating a distracting audiblenoise, commonly referred to as a water hammer. Since sprinkler systemsare connected directly or indirectly to the same water supply as is usedin the home, the water hammer created by the sudden closure of asprinkler system valve may create an audible and distracting soundwithin the home. Such water hammers are commonly encountered withsolenoid valves used on dishwashers, clothes washers and the like, andoften transmit a noise to the plumbing system which may be heard in allrooms of a home. In the present invention system, a means is providedfor substantially eliminating the water hammer in an extremely simple,yet high effective manner. In particular, it will be noted in FIG. 6, aswell as FIGS. 4 and 5, that the head of screw 98 has a diameter which isa substantial fraction of the diameter of the bore of valve seat 92, andfurther has a significant axial length, the design and proportioning ofthe screw being readily selectable by one skilled in the art for anyparticular valve design based on the following considerations: When thevalve is open as shown in FIG. 5, the head of screw 98 is withdrawn frombore 180 and thus a substantial annular passageway is defined betweenthe valve seat screw98 and member 96, allowing substantial flow of watertherethrough without excessive pressure drop. As the valve closes, theflow area decreases, and thus water pressure in area 118 increasesbecause of the momenturn of the water in the supply line and thedecreased flow, and the pressure in area 93 decreases because of themomentum of the water in the sprinkler line and the reduced flow. Theincrease in this pressure differ-.

ential normally would cause the rate of valve closing to increase,thereby enhancing the water hammer effect. However, as the presentinvention valve closes, the head of screw 98 first moves into bore 180so that a substantially reduced flow area, that is, the area of theannular passageway generally indicated by the numeral 182 in FIG. 6, ispresented to the flowing water. The reduced flow area stayssubstantially constant upon further closure of the valve until justbefore complete closure, whereupon the area between member 96 and valveseat 92 becomes the limiting flow area which finally reduces to zero onfull closure of the valve.

This is illustrated in FIG. 7, which is a graphical representation ofthe flow area versus valve position for the valve of the presentinvention, and for a typical prior art valve. The flow area versus valveposition for a prior art valve is substantially a linear function, asmay be seen in line 184 in FIG. 7. It will be noted that this figure ismerely a plot of area versus position, and

' it must be remembered that because of the increasing pressuredifferential across the valve, there is a tendency of the valve toaccelerate as it approaches the closed position so that sudden closureand a water hammer will result.

The flow area versus valve position for the present invention valve isshown as line 1 86 in FIG. 7. It will be noted that the valve closes,the flow area is reduced to a reasonably small area (the annular area182) and remains substantially constant, or at least with a very reducedrate of decrease over a range in valve positions, generally indicated bythe numeral 188, until the valve is very close to complete closure, atwhich time the flow area reduces with closure in the normal manner. Theeffect of controlling area in this manner may be shown as follows: Asthe valve moves from the open position, the pressure on the highpressure side of the valve starts to increase. However, before thepressure reaches an excessive level, the valve reaches position 190 inFIG. 7, and thereafter, in region 188, further reduction in the valveflow area is grossly limited. Thus, in this region, though flow is notprevented, it is grossly impeded so that the kinetic energy in the waterin both the supply line and in the sprinkler line may be largelydissipated by viscus effects in the reduced flow .area. Consequently,when final valve closure occurs, there is very little momentum in thesystem to result in any detectible water hammer effect.

It should be noted also that the flow area when the valve position is inregion 188 is an annular area having a considerable length, as opposedto an area more closely approaching an orifice. This is advantageous inthe present system for the reason that the flow is more responsive tothe differential pressure and will better tend to dissipate the kineticenergy of the flowing water. (The flow rate through a conduit having asubstantial wetted area being approximately proportional to the pressuredifferential, whereas the flow rate through an orifice is approximatelyproportional to the square root of the pressure differential.) Althoughmember 98 has a chamber 192 at the lower edge thereof so as to initiallydefine a smoother transition into the substantially constant flow arearegion of FIG. 7, it is to be understood that the specific contour ofscrew 98 and thus the specific shape of curve 186 may be varied asdesired to achieve the objects of this aspect of the present invention,that is, of restricting the flow to a substantially uniform flow area ofat least a slowly reducing flow area over a range of valve positionsadjacent to the fully closed position so as to provide a means fordissipating most of the kinetic energy in the flowing water without arequired interruption in the motion of the actuating member prior to thefinal complete closure of the valve.

Now referring to FIG. 3, the electronics comprising the clock and theelectronics mounted on circuit board 68 of FIG. 4 may be seen. The clockis comprised of a replaceable power source 200 which, in the preferredembodiment, comprises two 1 76 volt pen light batteries, resulting in anoperating voltage to the clock circuitry of 3 volts. The power source200 provides electrical power to oscillator 202, frequency divider 204and counter 206. Oscillator 202 in the preferred embodiment is a crystaloscillator of the type wellknown in the prior art, as described inVacuum Tubs and Semi-Conductor Electronics, by Jacob Millman, a 1958McGraw-Hill Book Company publication, starting on page 485, and morespecifically in the references cited at the end of the correspondingchapter on page 498 thereof. Such an oscillator provides a highly stableand accurate reference frequency at a relatively low cost and with arelatively low power consumption.

The frequency divider 204 is an integrated circuit comprising'a seriesof flip flops with the input of the first flip flop being provided byoscillator 202, and the output of each flip flop providing the input tothe next successive flip flop. The output of the last flip flop iscoupled to counter 206. Such integrated circuits are commerciallyavailable from a number of manufacturers, and the number of flip flopsused in the frequency divider 204 will depend upon the clock timeintervals desired and the reference frequency of the crystal inoscillator 202. The inter-connection of flip flops to achieve frequencydividing in this manner is wellknown in the prior art and is describedgenerally starting on page 323 of Pulse and Digital Circuits, by Millmanand Taub, a 1956 McGraw Hill Book Company publication. The output of thelast flip flop in frequency divider 204 is coupled to counter 206, whichalso is comprised of a series connection of a plurality of flip flops.In the counter 206, however, the output of each flip flop is coupled toone contact of a rotary switch 208 so that any of the various contactsmay be selected by the selector 46 (FIG. 1) in the master controller. Inthe preferred embodiment, the reference frequency of oscillator 202 andthe number of countdown flip flops in frequency divider 204 and counter206 is such that the last flip flop in the chain provides an outputpulse every 96 hours. Since each flip flop provides a divide by twofunctions, the next to the last flip flop provides an output pulse each48 hours etc. so that time intervals of 96, 48, 24, 12, 6 and 3 hoursmay be readily selected through rotary switch 208. Also mechanicallycoupled to interval selector 46 (FIG. 1) is a second rotary switch 210which is adapted to maintain connection of power source 200 with theother circuit components in all positions of switch 208, except the offposition. Thus, by turning switch 208 to the off position, power source200 may be disconnected. While this may be used to turn off the timeclock, its primary purpose in the preferred embodiment is in setting theclock, as shallbe subsequently described.

In the master controller 20, the output of counter 206, selected throughrotary switch 208, is coupled through terminals 213 and 215 to theremaining circuitry 224 in the master control unit. In this circuitry, apower source 216, which in the preferred embodiment is a 22 l volt drycell, maintains a charge on capacitor C1 through resistor R1, thiscombination providing the power source required for turning on the valvein response to the signal from counter 206, and turning off the valve atsome selected period thereafter.

When the valve is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, thepermanent'magnet 166 in solenoid 62 substantially magneticallyuncharged, and the return spring 169 encourages plunger 132 to theextended position, thereby closing the valve between cavity 136 andcavity 120 and maintaining the valve in this position. When in thiscondition, microswitch 154, physically shown in FIG. 4 anddiagrammatically shown in FIG. 3, is in the position shown in FIG. 3,with the moving element 154a contacting the switch contact connected tothe negative terminal of the power source. (In this condition transistorT1 and transistors T2 and T3 are all turned ofi.) One end of solenoidcoil 160 is coupled to the moving element 154a of microswitch 154, andthe other end of the solenoid coil is connected to the emitter of theNPN transistor T2, and to the collector of NPN transistor T1 throughresistor R2, and is still further coupled through terminal 212 toterminal 215 of the power source 200 in clock 70. The other terminal 214coupled to the clock terminal 213 is connected to the base of transistorT3, and when clock 70 provides an output pulse through terminal 213,transistor T3 is turned on. This in turn turns on transistor T2(transistors T3 and T2 being connected in the wellknown Darlingtonconfiguration), thereby coupling lead 218 to the positive terminal ofthe power supply comprising battery 216, capacitor C1 and resistor R1.Since lead 220 is coupled to the negative-side of the power'supplythrough microswitch 154, substantially the full power supply voltage isinstantaneously applied to the solenoid coil 160. This magnetizespermanent magnet 166 and moves the solenoid plunger 132 toward thewithdrawn position, and as it approaches the withdrawn position actuatesmicroswitch 154 through member 166 so as to move the moving contact 154ainto contact with fixed contact 157 coupled to the positive terminal ofthe power supply. Movement of the microswitch terminates the flow ofcurrent to the solenoid coil 160, though the permanent magnet, which isnow charged, maintains the solenoid in the actuated position.

The pulse from clock 70 on line 214 is only a few milliseconds induration, and transistors T2 and T3 are turned off at the end of a pulse(the current flow in coil 160 is turned off by movement of switch 154since after the movement as hereinbefore described, both ends of coil160 are coupled to the positive terminal of the power supply, even whentransistors T2 and T3 remain on). Thus, when the valve is open, line 220is at the positive power supply voltage, and within a few millisecondsafter the valve opens, transistors T3 and T2 are again turned off by thedrop in the pulse on line 214.

At this time capacitor C2 starts to charge through resistor R3, the rateof charging being primarily dependent on the RC time constant of theresistor capacitor combination. The junction between R3 and C2 iscoupled to the emitter of a unijunction UTI, with base 1 of theunijunction transistor coupled to the negative power supply terminalthrough resistor R4, and base 2 of the unijunction transistor beingcoupled through diode D1 and a variable voltage divider comprised ofpotentiometer P1 and resistors R5 and R6. When capacitor C2 charges tothe voltage required for firing the unijunction transistor, theunijunction transistor (being the solid state equivalent of athyratron), starts conducting, thereby discharging capacitor C2 throughresistor R4 and providing a pulse on line 222 to the base of transistorT1 through a current limiting resistor R9, thereby turning on thetransistor for the period of time required for capacitor C2 todischarge, and providing a pulse on lead 214a coupled to base 1 of theunijunction; (e.g., a pulse with respect to lead 212a coupled to thenega tive terminal of the power source).

When the unijunction transistor UTl tires, the discharge of capacitor C2creates a voltage pulse across resistor R4 and thus, a pulse on line 222to the base of transistor T1. This turns on transistor T1 for theduration of the pulse and couples line 218 through resistor R2 to thenegative terminal of the power supply. At this time, the moving contactof switch 154 is in contact with fixed contact 157 and thus, line 220 isconnected to the positive power supply terminal. Thus, solenoid coil 160is again excited, this time with a reverse polarity from that describedhereabove, and with a current limiting means, namely resistor R2, inseries therewith. The resistor R2 is selected so that the currentthrough coil 160 effectively demagnetizes permanent magnet 166 in thesolenoid, thus allowing the return spring 169 to force solenoid plunger132 to the extended position, causing the valve to close and theactuation of the microswitch 154 so as to move the moving contact 154ainto contact with fixed contact coupled to the negative power supplyterminal. This turns off the current in solenoid coil 160, since bothleads thereof are coupled to the negative terminal and within a fewmilliseconds thereof, capacitor C2 is discharged and the unijunction UTlturns off, thereby removing the pulse from the base of transistor T1 andturning off that transistor. In this condition, the valve is closed andthe valve actuating circuit is poised to sense a subsequent pulse fromclock 70.

Capacitor C1 functions as an electrical energy storage device, and uponactuation of the circuitry, may deliver an instantaneous current to thesolenoid coil which exceeds the current capability of the power source216. Diode D1 and resistor R7 are for temperature compensation purposesto stabilize the firing point of the unijunction transistor over thenormally encountered temperature range. Potentiometer P1 is mechanicallyaccessible as control 44, as may be seen in FIG. 1, and is used to varythe voltage across the unijunction transistor so as to adjust the extentof charging of capacitor C2 which is required for firing theunijunction, thereby adjusting the time duration between valve turn onand subsequent automatic valve turn off. Also provided in the circuitare pushbutton switches 38 and 40 (see also FIG. 1) which may be used tomanually turn on and turn off the valve independent of the clockoperation. Pushbutton switch 38 provides the manually actuatedequivalent of the turning on of transistors T3 and T2 by the clock so asto open the valve, with pushbutton 40 providing the manual equivalent ofturning on transistor T1 by the firing of the unijunction transistor toturn off the valve.

Terminals 214a and 212a are accessible through the bottom of enclosure34, and it will be noted that a pulse appears therebetween when thevalve solenoid in the master controller receives a turn off signal. Ineach of the slave controllers, such as controllers 22 and 24 in FIG. 1,there is located circuitry within the outline generally indicated by thenumeral 224. By connecting terminals 212a and 214a of the mastercontroller to terminals 212 and 214 of the next slave controller, thevalve in that slave controller may be commanded to open upon the closureof the valve in the master controller. Similarly, the terminals 212a and214a of the first slave controller may be connected to terminals 212 and214 of the second slave controller, etc. so that as the valve in onecontroller is commanded to close, the valve in the next controller inthe series will be commanded to open, with the number of slavecontrollers connectable in this manner being substantially unlimited.

The control 44 on each of the controllers is calibrated and may readilybe used to control the position of the wiper on potentiometer P1 toselect the desired duration of valve opening. To set the clock 70 in themaster controller 20, all the-flip flops in the frequency divider 204and counter 206 are reset at the beginning of the time interval. Thismay be achieved by applying a pulse to the reset line- 226 by apushbutton switch, not shown, coupled between the reset line and thepositive terminal of the power source 200. In the preferred embodiment,the frequency divider 204 and counter 206 are adapted to automaticallyassume the reset position when power is first applied thereto, so thatthey may be reset to zero at any time merely by turning rotary switch208, and particularlyswitch 210 mechanically coupled thereto, to the offposition and then to the desired time interval by the interval control46.

By way of specific example, assume it is desired to water once a day atseven in the evening, the clock may be readily set by turning theinterval control 46'from the off position to the 24 hour position at7:00 oclock the first evening and adjusting the control 44 for thedesired watering period. Thus, after each subsequent 24 hour period, thevalve will automatically turn on for the desired period, andsubsequently automatically turn off. To initiate the valve for operationof the first evening, the pushbutton switch 38 may be actuated, at whichtime the valve will open and subsequently automatically close after thedesired interval; (in the preferred embodiment, water intervals rangingfrom five minutes to one hour are selectable). If it is later desired towater at more frequent intervals or less frequent intervals, theinterval control 46 may be changed accordingly, with 7:00 oclock in theevening representing the time reference for each such interval, providedinterval control 46 is not subsequently moved to the off position at anytime. To change the base period from 7:00 oclock, say to 9:00 oclock inthe evening, the interval control is simply turned to the off positionat 9:00 oclock and returned to the position to select the desiredinterval.

The embodiment of the present invention hereinbefore described isparticularly suited for replacement of the valve portion of a prior artanti-siphon valve so as to easily and inexpensively convert the manuallyoperated prior art valve to an automatically operating sprinkler system.Such a configuration allows conversion of existing sprinkler systems toautomatic operation at a minimum expense, and further requiresessentially no plumbing work other than the turning off of the watersupply for a few moments while the valve member is replaced with thevalve system of the present invention.

As an alternate embodiment, the basic assembly described in detail withrespect to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 may be adapted and used in conjunction witha separate valve body such as valve body 250 shown in FIG. 8. In thisfigure, which shows solenoid 62 and body 64 with the enclosures removedtherefrom, there may also be seen an anti-siphon valve, generallylocated in the area indicated by the numeral 252, and a moisture sensingapparatus generally indicated by the numeral 254. These features areillustrated in greater detail in FIG. 9, which is a cross-section ofbody 64 taken along lines 9'9 of FIG. 8. The anti-siphon valve iscomprised of a horizontally disposed passage 256 with cavity 136 and acylindrical opening 258 through the side of the valve body. Acylindrical member 260 having a hole 262 therethrough and an inwardfacing tapered surface is located at the outer end of cylindricalopening 258 so as to partially close off the opening. A ball 264,preferably of a material substantially denser than water such as in thepreferred embodiment, brass, is located between opening 256 andcylindrical member 260 so as to be normally disposed as shown in thefigure, but movable as a result of water flow from cavity 136 outwardthrough opening 262 to seal off the opening and prevent further waterflow so long as'a substantial differential pressure exists so as to holdthe ball in position (as shown in phantom).

A reservoir 266 is defined by an outward and upward projecting'member268 integral with the valve body. A first electrode 270 is permanentlylocated adjacent the bottom: of reservoir 266, and a second electrode272 is threadedly supported by a member 274 so as to be threadedlyadjustable in its relative vertical disposition with respect to thereservoir to dispose the lower end of electrode 272 a desired distancebelow the top of reservoir 266. I

Now referring to FIG. 10, a diagram of the circuitry andinter-connection for the electrodes in the reservoir 266 may be seen.This embodimentuses the same clock circuitry and the same valve controlcircuitry 224 as shown and described with respect to FIG. 3, andconsequently such circuitry is only shown in block diagram form in FIG.10. However, interposed between the output terminal 213 of the clockcircuitry and the input terminal 214 of the valve control circuitry isthe circuitry comprising the moisture sensor. As before, terminal 215 ofthe clock circuitry is connected directly into terminal 212 of the valvecontrol circuitry and provides the common or ground connection for thesetwo circuits. When the clock circuitry provides an output pulse onterminal 213, this pulse is coupled to the input of a threshold detector300 through resistor R8. The threshold detector is characterized by ahigh input impedance and provides a positive output voltage ofrelatively low impedance whenever the input is above the thresholdlevel. The threshold detector 300 is connected through lines 302 and 304to terminals 201 and 215 of the clock circuit respectively (FIGS. 3 and10).

Thus, the threshold detector is powered by the power source 200 in theclock circuitry and is turned on and off with the clock circuitry inaccordance with the position of switch 210. Suitable threshholddetectors are well-known in the prior art and need not be shown infurther detail herein. In the preferred embodiment, an integratedcircuit threshhold detector is used, specifically an integrated circuitmanufactured by General Electric and identified in the manufacturersliterature as the PA-1494 Precision Threshhold Detector with Hysteresis.Electrode 270 is also coupled through line 304 to terminal 215 of theclock circuit, and the adjustable electrode.272 is coupled through line306 to the input to the threshhold detector.

Resistor R8 in the preferred embodiment has a resistance on the order ofIO megohms. Thus, when there is no water in the reservoir 266,electrodes 270 and 272 are electrically isolated from each other so thatan output pulse on terminal 213 of the clock may trigger the threshholddetector 300 and cause an output pulse on line 308 connected to terminal214 so as to turn on the valve. However, if there is water in reservoir266 of a depth at least sufficient to contact both terminals 270 and272, the conductivity of the water will provide a resistancesubstantially lower than that of resistor R8, and since terminal 270 isconnected to the ground terminal 215 through line 304, the input to thethreshhold detector will be effectively shorted out through the water inthe reservoir. Thus, the voltage appearing on line 306 and on the inputto the threshhold detector I 300 will be less than that required totrigger the threshhold detector and as a result no pulse will be appliedto terminal 214 of the valve control circuitry to turn on the valve.Thus, it may be seen that the lower limit of resistance of resistor R8is established by the fact that it must be large compared to theconductivity of the water normally collected in the reservoir 266 sothat the voltage divider formed by resistor R8 and the resistance of thewater in the reservoir 266 will divide down a voltage pulse generated bythe clock circuitry 70 to a voltage less than the trigger voltage forthe threshhold detector 300. As an upper limit to the resistance, theresistor R8 must not be so large as to fail to provide a sufficientinput current to the threshhold detector 300 to trigger it when thereservoir is dry, and particularly in the presence of slight leakageresistances between electrodes 270 and 272 caused by a partiallyconductive film of foreign matter which may collect on the plasticsurfaces coupling the two electrodes.

It may be seen from the above description that when the water level inreservoir 266 is at least sufficiently high to contact the twoelectrodes 270 and 272, a pulse generated by the clock circuitry willnot be coupled to the valve control circuitry so that the valve will notbe operated thereby, whereas if reservoir 266 is empty or substantiallyempty, such a clock pulse will be coupled to the valve control circuitryand will cause the valve to operate in the hereinbefore describedmanner. Reservoir 266 is disposed on this embodiment so as to freelycapture rain water, and as hereinbefore indicated, will in general befilled by the initial leakage from the anti-siphon valve of thisembodiment. Consequently, this water must evaporate and the reservoirnot be refilled with rain water before a subsequent clock pulse mayoperate the system. In the event of very humid weather when watering ona frequent interval is not required, the reservoir 266 will remainfilled with water for a considerable time, emptying only at a rateconsistent with the rate of moisture evaporation from the surroundingground and, thus, determinative of the needs of the ground foradditional water. Also, if the reservoir dries but is refilled to asufficient level by a subsequent rain which, of course, will alsosatisfy the needs of the surrounding ground for additional water, thewatering system will not operate until this new water evaporates.

In the foregoing disclosure, the present invention has been described indetail with respect to watering systems. However, the present inventionis readily applicable to other fluid flow control applications, such as,by way of example, toilets. Thus, in FIGS. 11 through 16, embodiments ofthe present invention adapted for use with an ordinary toilet may beseen. In these embodiments, the water tank commonly found above andbehind toilets, as used in residential applications, is eliminated, andthe valve of the present invention is coupled directly to the toilet andto the water supply system so as to control the direct flow of waterinto the toilet for flushing purposes. Consequently, the expensive andunsightly water tank is eliminated through the use of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 11, a conventional toilet bowl 300 is coupled to thewater supply system 302 through a water control system in accordancewith the present invention, generally housed within enclosure 304. Apush button switch 306 is disposed in any convenient location such as ona wall adjacent or behind the toilet or on the enclosure 304 for thewater control system. A side view of the toilet and water control systemof FIG. 11 may be seen in FIG. 12. This view, shown in partial crosssection, illustrates some of the functional details of the toilet andthe connection thereof to the water control system. In this embodiment,the toilet bowl 300 is provided with a plurality of holes 308 throughthe bowl, generally toward the rear thereof, which communicate with theoutside of the bowl. These holes are located generally above the normalwater level in the bowl, even while flushing, and in the ordinary courseof events are not called into play. However, in the event of a drainstoppage which would normally result in the overflow of the toilet, themaximum water level is limited by the plurality of holes 308 to thelevel of these holes on the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Thus, theholes 308 serve to limit the maximum level of the water in the toiletbowl to a level somewhat lower than in prior art toilet bowls, andthough they drain inordinately high water out onto the surroundingfloor, they do so only in those instances where overflow over the top ofthe toilet bowl would be forthcoming in any event.

Now referring to FIG. 14, a cross section taken along lines 14-14 ofFIG. 11, with the cover 304 removed therefrom, may be seen. This crosssection (showing only part of the valve, since the remainder of thevalve is identical to the embodiment heretofore described in detail withrespect to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) shows the valve body 310 coupled to thehigh pressure water supply line 312. Valve body 310 has a valve seat 314which is engageable with the complient member 96 on the lower end ofactuating member 90.

Threaded into the valve body 310 is member 60, and concentric therewithis member 74. These members are only partially illustrated, and theremainder of the valve solenoid, diaphragm, etc., located above valvebody 310 are not shownvsince they are the same as those described indetail hereinbefore.

- Surrounding the lower end of actuating member 90 is a cavity 322 incommunication with the water entrance port 324 coupled to the toiletbowl. This communication is established through passages 326 which maybe seen in both FIGS. 14 and 15 (FIG. 15 being a cross section takenalong lines 1515 of FIG. 14 to better illustrate the passages).

Thus, in the embodiment hereabove described, a push button switch306 isused to open the valve, and after a predetermined flushing time, thevalve is automatically closed. The circuitry for use of the watercontrol system of this embodiment is shown in FIG; 16 and issubstantially the same as that previously shown and described withrespect to FIG. 3. Thus, the components identified in FIG. 16 with thesame numeral as used in FIG. 3 have the same function and operation asheretofore described with respect to FIG. 3, the primary difference inthe two circuits being that transistors T2 and T3 have been eliminatedand the push button switch 306 (identical in function to switch 38) isused to initially open the valve. Similarly push button switch 40 forclosing the valve is eliminated since manual closure is generally notrequired. (It should be noted that two distinctly different flushingdurations may be used if desired to conserve water by providing two pushbutton switches, e.g., a short flush switch and a long flush switch, inplace of switch 306, and further mechanically coupling such switches toone or more additional switches to effectively switch in either of twovalues of one of the components which determines the time delay of atime delay circuit, such as, capacitor C2 or one or more of resistorsR3, R5 and R6.)

In the above described embodiment, if the water pressure in the watersupply line 312 drops, the actuating member 90 will close the valve. (Anappropriately placed coil spring may be used to assure. such closureupon loss of water pressure if desired). At the same time, any waterwhich may have been flowing into cavity 322 from line 312 to flush thetoilet will drain out through connection 324 into the toilet bowl, andair will be allowed to fill the cavity 322 since the water level in thebowl is normally well below the flushing outlet 330, and in any event islimited to a level below the flushing outlets by the holes 308 throughthe toilet bowl. Thus, the anti-siphon function of the valve is achievedwithout substantial complexity, and without requiring the placement of avalve or other mechanism substantially higher than the toilet bowl.

An alternate embodiment of the valve for use in a toilet flushing systemis shown in FIG. 13, which is a cross section of the alternateembodiment equivalent to the cross section of FIG. 14. In thisembodiment, the valve body 310a is similar in design and function to thevalve body 310 previously described. The valve body 310a has a valveseat 314 which is engageable with a valve closure assembly 316 slideablyfitting within the actuating member 90a (the closure member assembly 316is comprised of members 94, 96 and 98 hereinbefore described, withmember 98 threadably assembled into a cylindrical member 318 slideablyfitting within a cylindrical opening 320 at the lower end of actuatingmember 90a). Thus, when the actuating member 90a is in the valve closedposition, the valve closure assembly will be forces downward against theseat 314 and the valve will be forced closed. When the actuating membera is'in the upward or valve open position and high pressure water issupplied through line 312, the pressure of the water will force thevalve closure assembly 316 upward away from valve seat 314 and againstactuating member 90a, thereby opening the valve. However, should waterpressure be lost from the water supply line 312 while the valveactuating member 90a is in the upward position, the valve closureassembly 316 will move downward by the force of gravity to close thevalve, thereby performing at least part of the anti-siphon valvefunction. In this regard, a spring 317 disposed between actuating member90a and the cylindrical member 318 will assure closure of the valve asthe water pressure in line 312 begins to drop so that the valve isforceably closed before any referse flow may take place. Responsivemotion of the valve closure assembly 316 is further assured by ventholes 319 which relieve the pressure or vacuum on top of member 318.

It is to be noted that in this particular embodiment the passageway 103through the actuating member 90 (FIG. 4, for example) has beeneliminated. Thus, a new passageway must be provided between the inletline 312 and cavity at the top of diaphragm 102. To achieve thiscommunication, separate passageway 321 is provided.

In this embodiment, the valve body 310a further has a port 340communicating with the lower side of a flexible diaphragm 342 and withthe tubulation connecting to the high pressure water line 312. Theflexible diaphragm 342 is disposed below and retained in position bymember 344, threadably engaging a mating cavity in valve body 310a,which defines a port 346 communicating with the atmosphere andterminating in a valve seat surface 348. Also communicating with thespace above the top surface of a flexible diaphragm 342 and with cavity322 in the valve body 310a is' an additional port 350. Thus, when highpressure water is delivered to the valve body through pipe 312, pressureis communicated through port 340 to the lower surface of the flexiblediaphragm 342, forcing the diaphragm upward against the valve seat 348in member 344. This prevents communication between port 350 and port 346and prevents backflow of water from cavity 322 outward through port 346.However, in the event the water pressure drops in line 312 the elasticcharacteristic of flexible diaphragm 342 will pull it back to theundeflected position, thereby putting port 346 in communication withcavity 322 through port 350 and providing air to the back surface of thevalve closure assembly 316. Consequently, in this embodiment, when waterpressure is lost in the water supply system, the valves will close andair will automatically be supplied to cavity 322 to drain the watertherefrom. Thus, the antisiphon function is achieved without requiring alimitation of the water level in the toilet bowl 300 to a level belowopenings 330, provided, however, that the water is at least below thevalve seat surface 314 in valve body 310a, a condition which is veryeasily met by design.

There has been described herein a fluid control system having a varietyof uses. Described in detail herein are systems adapted for use inwatering systems and in toilets. These systems being representative offluid control systems in general of the intermittent operation type,either manually or electronically initiated, and which may be of thetype requiring the incorporation of an anti-siphon capability. Ofcourse, the fluid control system described herein may readily be adaptedto other applications and used with other fluids. In that regard, theuse of plastics and synthetic rubber-like materials throughout theportions of the fluid control system actually exposed to the fluidsallows the use of the fluid control system of the present invention withfluids having corrosive, inflammable or other special and/or hazardouscharacteristics. Thus, while the invention has been particularly shownand described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it willbe understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A solenoid operated valve for use with a valve body of the typehaving an annular valve seat and first and second ports communicatingwith opposite sides of the flow passage through said valve seatcomprising:

a valve member linearly moveable, when mounted on a valve body of thetype stated, between an open position whereby fluid may flow from saidfirst port through said valve body to said second port, to a closedposition whereby said valve member rests on said valve seat inopposition to the pressure of the fluid communicated from said firstport to prevent fluid flow from said first port to said second portthrough said valve body;

a pneumatic means coupled to said valve member and responsive to a fluidpressure on a first side thereof to force said valve member to saidclosed position and responsive to a fluid pressure on a second sidethereof to force said valve member to said open position, said firstside of said pneumatic means being in communication through a firstpassage with fluid being received under pressure from said first port,said second side of said pneumatic means being in communication througha passage with fluid deliverable through said second port;

second valve means interposed in a fluid passageway communicating withsaid first and second sides of said pneumatic means, said second valvemeans including a second valve member moveable between a closed positionpreventing fluid flow and an open position allowing fluid flow;

a solenoid having a moving member coupled to said valve means, saidsolenoid being responsive to a first current pulse in a forwarddirectionthrough the solenoid coil to magnetize a permanent magnet in saidsolenoid to a first level of magnetization and move and retain saidvalve means to one of said open and closed positions, and responsive toa second current in the reverse direction through the solenoid coil tochange the level of magnetization to a second level to allow themovement of said valve means to the other of said open and closedpositions;

a first switch means mechanically coupled to said moving member foractuation thereby, said switch means having first, second, and thirdterminals, said solenoid coil having first and second' leads, said firstterminal being coupled to said first lead of said solenoid coil, saidswitch means being a means for coupling said first terminal to saidsecond terminal when said valve means is in said closed position and forcoupling said first terminal to said third terminal when said valvemeans is in said open position;

electrical power source means coupled between said second and thirdterminals;

electronic time delay means coupled to said first and second terminalsfor providing a time delay output signal a predetermined length of timeafter a voltage appears between said first and second terminals;

a second switch means coupled between said second solenoid lead and saidthird terminal; and

a third switch means coupled between said second solenoid lead and saidsecond terminal and responsive to said time delay output signal.

2. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 wherein said second switchmeans is a pushbutton-switch.

3. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 wherein said second switchmeans is an electronic switch means responsive to a pulse switchingsignal.

4. The solenoid operated valve of claim 3 further comprised of anelectronic clock coupled to said second switch means for providing apulse to actuate said second switch means at predetermined intervals.

5. The solenoid actuated valve of claim 4 wherein said electronic clockis comprised of an electronic oscillator coupled to a plurality of flipflop circuits, said electronic clock being selectively coupleable tosaid second switch means through any of a plurality of said plurality offlip flop circuits so as to provide a means for selection of any of aplurality of predetermined intervals.

6. The solenoid operated valve of claim 3 further comprised of means forreceiving and coupling an external actuating signal to said secondswitch means.

7. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 further comprised of means forcoupling said time delay signal to another valve.

8. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 further comprised of a valvebody of the type described.

9. A solenoid operated valve for use with a valve body of the typehaving an annular valve seat and first and second ports communicatingwith opposite sides of the flow passage through said valve seatcomprising:

a valve member linearly moveable, when mounted on a valve body of thetype stated, between an open position whereby fluid may flow from saidfirst port through said valve body to said second port, to a closedposition whereby said valve member rests on said valve seat inopposition to the pressure of the fluid communicated from said firstport to prevent fluid flow from said first port to said second portthrough said valve body;

a pneumatic means coupled to said valve member and responsive to a fluidpressure on a first side thereof to force said valve member to saidclosed position and responsive to a fluid pressure on a second sidethereof to force said valve member to said open position, said firstside of said pneumatic means being in communication with fluid beingreceived under pressure from said first port, said second side of saidpneumatic means being in communication with fluid deliverable throughsaid second port;

second valve means interposed in a fluid passageway communicating withsaid first and second sides of said pneumatic means, said second valvemeans including a second valve member moveable between a closed positionpreventing fluid flow and an open position allowing fluid flow;

a solenoid having at least one solenoid coil and having a stationarymember and moving member at least in part defining a magnetic circuit,said moving member being coupled to said valve means and moveable withrespect to said stationary member between a first position having aminimum nonmagnetic gap in said magnetic circuit to a second positionhaving a substantial nonmagnetic gap, said solenoid being responsive toa first current pulse in a solenoid coil to magnetize said magneticcircuit in said solenoid and move and retain said valve means to one ofsaid open and closed positions, and responsive to a second current pulsein a solenoid coil to change the level of magnetization to a secondlevel to allow the movement of said valve means to the other of saidopen and closed positions;

first switch means mechanically coupled to said moving member foractuation thereby, said switch means having first and second terminals;

electronic power source means; electronic time delay means for creatinga time delay signal, said first terminal of said first switch meansbeing coupled to one terminal of said electronic power source means,said electronic time delay means being coupled between said secondterminal of said first switch means and a second terminal of saidelectronic power source, said electronic time delay means being a meansfor providing a time delay output signal a predetermined length of timeafter actuation of said first switch means;

second switch means, said second switch means being an electronic switchcoupled to said electrical power source and in series with a solenoidcoil and responsive to an actuation signal, said second switch meansbeing a means for coupling a solenoid coil to said electrical powersource upon receipt of a first electrical signal, to provide said firstcurrent pulse thereto;

third switch means, said third switch means being an electronic switchcoupled to said electrical power source and in series with a solenoidcoil and responsive to a said time delay signal from said electronictime delay means, said second switch means being a means for coupling asolenoid coil to said electrical power source upon receipt of a secondelectrical signal from said time delay means to provide said secondcurrent pulse thereto.

10. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of anelectronic clock coupled to said second switch means for providing apulse to actuate said second switch means at predetermined intervals.

11. The solenoid actuated valve of claim 10 wherein said electronicclock is comprised of an electronic oscillator coupled to a plurality offlip flop circuits, said electronic clock being selectively coupleableto said second switch means through any of a plurality of said pluralityof flip flop circuits so as to provide a means for selection of any of aplurality of predetermined intervals.

12. The solenoid operated valve of claim 11 further comprised of meansfor coupling said time delay signal to another valve.

13. The solenoid operated valve of claim 11 further comprised of a valvebody of the type described.

14. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of meansfor receiving and coupling an external actuating signal to said secondswitch means.

15. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of meansfor coupling said time delay signal to another valve.

1. A solenoid operated valve for use with a valve body of the type having an annular valve seat and first and second ports communicating with opposite sides of the flow passage through said valve seat comprising: a valve member linearly moveable, when mounted on a valve body of the type stated, between an open position whereby fluid may flow from said first port through said valve body to said second port, to a closed position whereby said valve member rests on said valve seat in opposition to the pressure of the fluid communicated from said first port to prevent fluid flow from said first port to said second port through said valve body; a pneumatic means coupled to said valve member and responsive to a fluid pressure on a first side thereof to force said valve member to said closed position and responsive to a fluid pressure on a second side thereof to force said valve member to said open position, said first side of said pneumatic means being in communication through a first passage with fluid being received under pressure from said first port, said second side of said pneumatic means being in communication through a passage with fluid deliverable through said second port; second valve means interposed in a fluid passageway communicating with said first and second sides of said pneumatic means, said second valve means including a second valve member moveable between a closed position preventing fluid flow and an open position allowing fluid flow; a solenoid having a moving member coupled to said valve means, said solenoid being responsive to a first current pulse in a forward direction through the solenoid coil to magnetize a permanent magnet in said solenoid to a first level of magnetization and move and retain said valve means to one of said open and closed positions, and responsive to a second current in the reverse direction through the solenoid coil to change the level of magnetizatIon to a second level to allow the movement of said valve means to the other of said open and closed positions; a first switch means mechanically coupled to said moving member for actuation thereby, said switch means having first, second, and third terminals, said solenoid coil having first and second leads, said first terminal being coupled to said first lead of said solenoid coil, said switch means being a means for coupling said first terminal to said second terminal when said valve means is in said closed position and for coupling said first terminal to said third terminal when said valve means is in said open position; electrical power source means coupled between said second and third terminals; electronic time delay means coupled to said first and second terminals for providing a time delay output signal a predetermined length of time after a voltage appears between said first and second terminals; a second switch means coupled between said second solenoid lead and said third terminal; and a third switch means coupled between said second solenoid lead and said second terminal and responsive to said time delay output signal.
 2. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 wherein said second switch means is a pushbutton switch.
 3. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 wherein said second switch means is an electronic switch means responsive to a pulse switching signal.
 4. The solenoid operated valve of claim 3 further comprised of an electronic clock coupled to said second switch means for providing a pulse to actuate said second switch means at predetermined intervals.
 5. The solenoid actuated valve of claim 4 wherein said electronic clock is comprised of an electronic oscillator coupled to a plurality of flip flop circuits, said electronic clock being selectively coupleable to said second switch means through any of a plurality of said plurality of flip flop circuits so as to provide a means for selection of any of a plurality of predetermined intervals.
 6. The solenoid operated valve of claim 3 further comprised of means for receiving and coupling an external actuating signal to said second switch means.
 7. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 further comprised of means for coupling said time delay signal to another valve.
 8. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 further comprised of a valve body of the type described.
 9. A solenoid operated valve for use with a valve body of the type having an annular valve seat and first and second ports communicating with opposite sides of the flow passage through said valve seat comprising: a valve member linearly moveable, when mounted on a valve body of the type stated, between an open position whereby fluid may flow from said first port through said valve body to said second port, to a closed position whereby said valve member rests on said valve seat in opposition to the pressure of the fluid communicated from said first port to prevent fluid flow from said first port to said second port through said valve body; a pneumatic means coupled to said valve member and responsive to a fluid pressure on a first side thereof to force said valve member to said closed position and responsive to a fluid pressure on a second side thereof to force said valve member to said open position, said first side of said pneumatic means being in communication with fluid being received under pressure from said first port, said second side of said pneumatic means being in communication with fluid deliverable through said second port; second valve means interposed in a fluid passageway communicating with said first and second sides of said pneumatic means, said second valve means including a second valve member moveable between a closed position preventing fluid flow and an open position allowing fluid flow; a solenoid having at least one solenoid coil and having a stationary member and moving member at least in part defining a magnetic circuit, said moving member being cOupled to said valve means and moveable with respect to said stationary member between a first position having a minimum nonmagnetic gap in said magnetic circuit to a second position having a substantial nonmagnetic gap, said solenoid being responsive to a first current pulse in a solenoid coil to magnetize said magnetic circuit in said solenoid and move and retain said valve means to one of said open and closed positions, and responsive to a second current pulse in a solenoid coil to change the level of magnetization to a second level to allow the movement of said valve means to the other of said open and closed positions; a first switch means mechanically coupled to said moving member for actuation thereby, said switch means having first and second terminals; electronic power source means; electronic time delay means for creating a time delay signal, said first terminal of said first switch means being coupled to one terminal of said electronic power source means, said electronic time delay means being coupled between said second terminal of said first switch means and a second terminal of said electronic power source, said electronic time delay means being a means for providing a time delay output signal a predetermined length of time after actuation of said first switch means; a second switch means, said second switch means being an electronic switch coupled to said electrical power source and in series with a solenoid coil and responsive to an actuation signal, said second switch means being a means for coupling a solenoid coil to said electrical power source upon receipt of a first electrical signal, to provide said first current pulse thereto; a third switch means, said third switch means being an electronic switch coupled to said electrical power source and in series with a solenoid coil and responsive to a said time delay signal from said electronic time delay means, said second switch means being a means for coupling a solenoid coil to said electrical power source upon receipt of a second electrical signal from said time delay means to provide said second current pulse thereto.
 10. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of an electronic clock coupled to said second switch means for providing a pulse to actuate said second switch means at predetermined intervals.
 11. The solenoid actuated valve of claim 10 wherein said electronic clock is comprised of an electronic oscillator coupled to a plurality of flip flop circuits, said electronic clock being selectively coupleable to said second switch means through any of a plurality of said plurality of flip flop circuits so as to provide a means for selection of any of a plurality of predetermined intervals.
 12. The solenoid operated valve of claim 11 further comprised of means for coupling said time delay signal to another valve.
 13. The solenoid operated valve of claim 11 further comprised of a valve body of the type described.
 14. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of means for receiving and coupling an external actuating signal to said second switch means.
 15. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of means for coupling said time delay signal to another valve. 